Latest news

Honouring Nano's legacy

On Friday 28 April the College celebrated our annual Nano Nagle mass to remember and honour the life and legacy of Nano Nagle, the founder of the Presentation Sisters.

Nano's work in Ireland in the 1700s was radical, pioneering and grounded in her deep Catholic faith. One of the many compassionate works she undertook was that of setting up schools in Cork for poor Catholic children. This involved great risk to Nano because these schools were illegal at the time. 

Nano's work inspired other women of the area and so the Presentation Sisters were founded. These amazing women saw a need in many places across the other side of the world, in Tasmania, where they arrived in 1866 to establish their first school in Australia - St Mary's College. 

We are so grateful for the inspirational faith and work of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters who continue her legacy of hospitality, compassion and simplicity today. 

Sharon Lawler

Director of Identity and Mission 

Nagle Week festivities in full swing

Nagle Week is in full swing at St Mary's College with a program of fun activities organised for students to engage in. 

Last Friday, following the Nagle Mass, students were encouraged to dig deep to contribute to a coin line on the College Green, which raised funds for the Presentation Sisters in the Philippines. 

The celebrations continued this week with a sausage sizzle and a fairy floss fundraiser in the Senior School. Thank you to Cripps for their generous donation of bread for the barbecue. 

New labyrinth makes its mark

Transformation of the bottom court is now complete with the installation of our beautiful new paved labyrinth walk. 

The labyrinth is a peaceful focal point on the College grounds and will serve as a contemplative place for student mindfulness and spirituality. 

Symbolic of life's journey, labyrinths can help people to reflect on their lives and their journey of faith, to slow down, quieten one's mind and become open to God. 

Labyrinths are also lovely to look at and this one will no doubt provide an interesting play area for the Junior School students. 

Pictured below: The labyrinth taking shape over the past three weeks. 

Chemistry students in their element 

Our Year 12 Chemistry students' passion for all things STEM was super-charged yesterday following an eye-opening field trip to Nyrstar Hobart which set brains buzzing. 

Having recently completed their studies on electro-chemistry, the students enjoyed being able to see the Nyrstar cellhouse and learn first-hand how electrolysis is used on a large industrial scale to make high-quality zinc at the Hobart-based operations. 

Thank you to the team at Nyrstar for allowing us to tour the facilities and for generously sharing your time and expertise with our students.  

Wellbeing wings

A new wellbeing initiative is giving Senior School students their very own wings to rise above challenges and reach their potential. 

As part of the Year 10 Pillars program, senior students created a magnificent set of mood-boosting wings featuring individual 'feathers' which were then formed into a collaborative art piece.

The installation is on display in the Year 10 Common Room and any time students or staff need a lift, they can visit the wings and get some inspiration to brighten their day. 

Click through the gallery below to see some of the things that bring our students and staff joy.